While the average cost of car shipping falls in between $1,000 and $1,500, your car shipping costs could vary significantly.
Use our car shipping calculator below to receive instant car transport quotes from top car shippers.
Key Takeaways
- Distance matters most: Longer trips cost more overall, but the cost per mile usually drops as mileage increases.
- Vehicle size affects pricing: SUVs and trucks cost more than sedans because they take up more trailer space and increase fuel use.
- Open vs. enclosed shipping: Enclosed transport typically costs 30%–60% more than open shipping.
- Seasonal demand impacts rates: Prices are usually highest in spring and summer.
- Pickup location can raise costs: Remote areas and major metro congestion can increase pricing.
- Inoperable vehicles cost more: Non-running vehicles typically add $150–$300.
| Shipping Distance | Typical Cost Range | Typical Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| <500 miles | $540–$1,100 | $1.25–$2.00/mile |
| 500–1,500 miles | $700–$1,800 | $0.65–$1.20/mile |
| 1,500+ miles | $1,050–$3,000+ | $0.55–$0.95/mile |
Estimates reflect typical 2026 pricing for an operable standard sedan using open transport.
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
Calculating vehicle shipping is most dependent on three factors: whether you choose open or enclosed shipping, the distance of your shipment, and your vehicle size.
The biggest difference-maker is whether you use open vs. enclosed car shipping, since enclosed shipping can cost up to 50% more than using an open carrier for the exact same distance.
Car Shipping Costs by Transport Type & Distance
| Distance | Transport Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 500 miles | Open | $600–$700 |
| 500 miles | Enclosed | $850–$1,000 |
| 1,000 miles | Open | $650–$800 |
| 1,000 miles | Enclosed | $1,000–$1,200 |
| 2,000 miles | Open | $1,200–$1,400 |
| 2,000 miles | Enclosed | $1,700–$2,000 |
Car Shipping Costs by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | <500 miles | 500–1,500 miles | 1,500+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sedan | $540–$900 | $700–$1,500 | $1,050–$3,000+ |
| SUV | $600–$1,100 | $800–$1,700 | $1,200–$3,200+ |
| Truck | $650–$1,150 | $900–$1,850 | $1,300–$3,400+ |
How We Calculate These Costs
The price ranges in this article are based on typical 2026 market rates for shipping a standard, operable sedan using door-to-door open transport. We calculated each range using a combination of approximate highway mileage and current industry pricing trends.
- Route distance: Mileage estimates reflect common interstate driving routes between major metro areas, not straight-line distance
- Open transport baseline: Calculated using typical nationwide averages of $0.65–$1.20 per mile for medium-distance routes, with higher per-mile rates for short hauls and lower per-mile rates for long hauls
- Enclosed transport adjustment: Enclosed ranges apply an average premium of 30%–60% above open transport pricing
- Vehicle assumptions: Estimates assume an operable, standard sedan
- Real-world variation: Actual quotes can vary based on ZIP codes, seasonal demand, fuel costs, carrier availability, and whether your route is high-volume or remote
Note: These estimates are meant to set realistic expectations. Pricing can and does change week to week, so always confirm with a live quote.
Car Transport Methods
Your choice of shipping method affects both price and how much protection your vehicle gets in transit.
- Door-to-door: The carrier picks up your vehicle at your current address and delivers it to your destination. It’s the most convenient option and what most shippers offer by default.
- Terminal-to-terminal: You drop off and pick up your vehicle at the carrier’s nearest terminal. Less convenient, but typically cheaper than door-to-door.
- Open transport: Your vehicle ships on an open trailer alongside other cars. This is the most common and affordable method, and it’s fine for the vast majority of vehicles.
- Enclosed transport: Your vehicle ships in a covered trailer, fully protected from weather and road debris. Costs up to 50% more than open, but worth it for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles.
- Expedited shipping: The carrier prioritizes your pickup and delivery over other shipments. The most expensive option, but it can cut your pickup window down to 24–48 hours.
Common Car Shipping Cost Factors
- The size of your vehicle: A vehicle that weighs more will increase the transport company’s fuel costs. Similarly, a larger vehicle could mean that fewer cars can fit on the trailer, increasing your shipping costs. Also, shipping a high-end vehicle may require additional insurance coverage.
- The condition of your vehicle: While many carriers can ship inoperable vehicles, they will generally charge an additional fee, since those vehicles require extra handling and care during transportation.
- Distance: It will cost more to ship your vehicle long-distance, yet the price per mile tends to be lower for long-distance shipments than for shorter shipments.
- Open vs. enclosed transport: Enclosed trailers offer greater protection against harsh weather conditions, but the premium pricing means this option is usually reserved for luxury vehicles.
- Delivery route and location: You’ll usually pay less if you live close to a major metropolitan area because there are more trucks and routes available. Shipping to a rural or hard-to-reach destination adds cost.
- The cost of fuel: Fuel costs are also calculated into your shipping quote, and as fuel gets more expensive, your shipment costs will go up.
- The time of year: During times of peak demand, car shipping rates tend to go up. Summer can see the highest demand, since this is peak moving season.
- Shipping dates: Flexible dates are cheaper. When you lock in a firm pickup window, carriers have to adjust their routes to accommodate you, which costs them more. Give them scheduling flexibility and they’ll typically pass some of those savings back to you.
- Auto transport insurance: Most carriers include basic coverage in their rate, but it may not be enough for high-value vehicles. If you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or exotic car, factor in the cost of additional coverage.
What Is a Car Transport Quote & How Long Is It Good For?
A car transport quote is an estimate of what it will cost to ship your vehicle from one location to another. It accounts for factors like distance, route, vehicle size, trailer type, and current market demand, all of which can shift from day to day.
Most quotes are only valid for 24–48 hours. Car shipping prices fluctuate constantly in response to fuel costs, seasonal demand, and carrier availability, so shippers can rarely lock in a price beyond that window. A quote you received last week may no longer reflect what you’ll actually pay.
Use the calculator above to get a fast baseline estimate, then request quotes directly from providers to compare real-time pricing before you commit.
How To Get a Car Shipping Quote in 5 Steps
Step 1: Use the Calculator To Get a Baseline
Before contacting any company, use our free car shipping calculator to get an instant estimate. It gives you a realistic price range so you can spot outliers when comparing real quotes.
Step 2: Request Quotes from Multiple Companies
Don’t stop at one. Since car shipping prices fluctuate and rates vary significantly across providers, getting three or more quotes gives you real leverage.
Step 3: Provide Pickup & Drop-Off Locations
Each company will need your origin and destination addresses to calculate haul distance and route complexity. Rural or off-highway destinations may carry additional fees.
Step 4: Share Your Vehicle Details
Provide the make, model, year, and operational status of your vehicle. Larger or heavier vehicles cost more to ship because they take up more trailer space. Inoperable vehicles require specialized loading equipment and will be quoted higher.
Step 5: Choose Your Trailer Type & Lock In
Decide between open or enclosed transport. Open is cheaper and works for most vehicles. Enclosed offers more protection and is worth it for luxury, classic, or exotic cars. Once you select your preferences and submit, your quote is typically valid for 24–48 hours, so be ready to move quickly.
Car Shipping Cost by Route
East Coast Routes
East Coast car shipping routes often follow the I-95 corridor and are especially popular for seasonal moves between the Northeast and Florida. These lanes tend to have frequent carrier availability, which can help keep pricing competitive.
- New York → Florida: $879–$1,363
- New Jersey → Florida: $873–$1,394
- Pennsylvania → Florida: $896–$1,297
- Massachusetts → Florida: $1,027–$1,537
- Florida → New York: $837–$1,377
West Coast Routes
West Coast routes commonly run along the I-5 corridor (and nearby connections), making them a go-to option for shipping between major coastal metros. Because these trips are often shorter than cross-country hauls, they’re a great benchmark for regional pricing.
- Washington → California: $782–$1,199
- California → Washington: $774–$1,175
- Oregon → California: $724–$1,081
- California → Arizona: $764–$1,075
Coast-To-Coast Routes
Coast-to-coast shipments are typically the longest-distance routes, so they’re useful for understanding how mileage affects total cost. These lanes can also be more sensitive to timing, fuel prices, and pickup/delivery flexibility.
- Florida → California: $1,445–$2,094
- California → Florida: $1,413–$2,205
- New York → California: $1,475–$2,204
- California → New York: $1,447–$2,365
Popular Car Shipping Routes
These popular routes connect high-demand states and major metro areas, so they’re a solid snapshot of real-world pricing across busy lanes. If you’re looking for a quick “typical cost” reference, these are some of the most searched and most shipped combinations.
- California → Texas: $1,064–$1,475
- Texas → California: $1,053–$1,567
- Florida → Texas: $930–$1,463
- Illinois → California: $1,242–$2,019
- Georgia → California: $1,228–$1,969
Car Shipping Delivery Timeline
Car shipping transit times depend primarily on the distance of your shipment. Most coast-to-coast moves take seven to 10 days from pickup to delivery, while shorter regional moves can be completed in as little as one to two days. Keep in mind that the total time from booking to delivery includes both a pickup window and the actual transit period.
| Distance | Estimated Transit Time | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | 1–2 days | Boston → New York, Dallas → Houston |
| 500–1,000 miles | 2–4 days | Chicago → Atlanta, Seattle → San Francisco |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | 4–6 days | New York → Miami, Denver → Los Angeles |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | 5–7 days | Chicago → Los Angeles, Atlanta → Phoenix |
| 2,000+ miles | 7–10 days | New York → Los Angeles, Florida → California |
Pickup window vs. transit time: The table above reflects transit time once your vehicle is picked up, not total time from booking. Most carriers require a pickup window of one to five business days after your scheduled date to assign a driver and route. Budget an extra two to seven days on top of transit time when planning your move.
Several factors can extend your delivery timeline beyond the estimates above:
- Enclosed transport: Fewer enclosed carriers operate on any given route, which can extend your pickup window by several days
- Rural pickup or delivery: Locations far from major interstates take longer to service because carriers make fewer stops off their primary routes
- Peak season
Pro tip: If you have a hard delivery deadline such as a lease start date, a new job, or a cross-country move, book at least two weeks in advance and ask your carrier specifically about guaranteed pickup dates.
Are Car Shipping Quotes Binding?
Many auto shipping companies do not provide binding estimates. This means that, if unforeseen issues arise, the final amount you owe could change from what you were initially quoted to when your vehicle is delivered. Reputable companies will either inform you of this upfront or will offer a binding quote as long as your vehicle matches your initial description.
Third-party car shipping calculators can only provide rough estimates. You’ll have to get quotes from multiple carriers for a more accurate picture of cost.
How To Save on Car Shipping
The most budget-friendly car shipping combo is open transport with terminal-to-terminal delivery.
- Book early. Scheduling at least two to four weeks ahead gets you better rates and more carrier options.
- Compare multiple quotes. Get at least three quotes from reputable providers before booking.
- Ask about discounts. Many carriers offer price breaks for military members, students, seniors, or multiple vehicles shipped together.
- Be flexible with timing.
- Skip unnecessary add-ons.
Our Take
While getting multiple car transport quotes is certainly helpful, you should always make sure that you are working with a reliable and trustworthy auto transport company.
The following companies from our list of best car shippers all have good reputations in the auto transport industry and offer transparent pricing so you can schedule your car shipment with confidence.
Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport is known for competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the shipping process. Nexus provides instant online quotes and offers both open and enclosed transport options. One of its standout features is its price-lock guarantee, so the price you’re quoted is the price you pay.
As a broker, Nexus works with a large network of vetted carriers across the contiguous United States and has a solid track record for on-time pickup and delivery. Customer reviews consistently highlight responsive customer service and proactive driver updates. However, as a broker rather than a direct carrier, the specific driver assigned to your shipment will vary.
Nexus does not currently service Hawaii or Alaska, and expedited shipping options carry an additional fee.
Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport sets itself apart with its Price Lock Promise. The Price Lock Promise means your quoted price won’t change as long as your vehicle description is accurate.
Sherpa is a broker that carefully vets the carriers in its network, requiring all drivers to carry higher insurance minimums than industry standard. It offers both open and enclosed shipping and provides door-to-door service throughout the contiguous United States. Sherpa’s customer service team is available seven days a week, and the company has strong ratings for responsiveness and transparency.
Sherpa does not service Hawaii or Alaska, and its quotes can run slightly higher than some competitors. Many customers find this trade-off worthwhile for the added protections and peace of mind Sherpa can deliver.
uShip
uShip isn’t a car carrier, but it can be a valuable resource when trying to schedule a car shipment. uShip is an online marketplace where you can get quotes from movers and car carriers in your area based on your moving needs and local availability.
This platform allows you to quickly gather multiple bids and compare costs and shipping details. It also makes it easier to coordinate vehicle shipping with other moving services. However, availability can vary based on your location, and you might not be able to find competitive quotes for your shipment.
You’ll also need to verify the quality of the car shippers yourself. uShip doesn’t vet its providers, so you should check customer reviews before agreeing to a car shipping quote.
FAQ
How do you get car shipping quotes?
The best car shipping companies make it easy to get a quote when you provide information about your vehicle, the type of transport you need, and your pickup and delivery locations. You can request a quote over the phone, but many also offer online quotes.
How is my car transport cost calculated?
Car transport companies use their own internal car shipping cost calculators to determine your shipment rate based on factors like your vehicle size, your location, and your preferred transport option. Using this information, rates are then usually calculated on a per-mile basis, with lower per-mile rates for longer shipments.
Can I get an instant quote for shipping my car online?
Yes, you can get an instant quote for shipping your car online. Many auto transport companies offer free quotes on their websites using their own internal cost estimators.
Keep in mind, however, that these quotes aren’t always binding. They may be subject to change upon delivery, although reputable companies will inform you of this upfront.
What factors influence the cost of shipping a car across the country?
Car shipping prices are primarily based on the size of vehicle you need to ship, the distance of your shipment, and whether you use open or enclosed transport.
Other factors that can also influence your total cost include:
- The condition of your vehicle
- Your location
- The cost of fuel
- The time of year
How much does it cost to ship a car 1,000 miles?
For a 1,000-mile shipment, expect to pay roughly $650–$800 for open transport and $1,000–$1,200 for enclosed. The exact cost will vary based on your vehicle size, route, time of year, and how flexible you are with pickup dates.
Can you ship your car with stuff in it?
Most carriers don’t allow personal items in the vehicle during transport. Standard equipment like a spare tire and jack is fine, but loose items add weight, can shift in transit, and aren’t covered by the carrier’s insurance if damaged. Some carriers will make exceptions for items in the trunk, but expect extra fees and confirm the policy before booking.
Can I ship a car that doesn’t run?
Yes, but tell the carrier upfront. Inoperable vehicles require a winch or forklift to load, which typically adds $150–$350 to your cost. The vehicle still needs working brakes and steering so it can be safely positioned on the trailer once loaded.
Do I need insurance for car shipping?
All licensed auto transporters are required to carry liability insurance that covers your vehicle during transit. Coverage limits vary by carrier, so ask for a copy of their policy before booking. For high-value or classic cars, consider supplemental coverage for added protection against damage during loading or delivery.
What happens if my car gets damaged during transport?
Note any damage on the bill of lading before signing at delivery. Take photos immediately and file a claim with the carrier’s insurance right away. Reputable shippers will walk you through the claims process and provide documentation. This is why reviewing the carrier’s coverage before booking matters.
Can I track my car while it’s being shipped?
Many top-rated auto transport companies offer GPS tracking or status updates via phone, text, or email. For carriers without live tracking, dispatchers can usually provide location updates on request. Real-time tracking availability is worth asking about when comparing quotes.
